Moulin de la Courade

Moulin de la Courade is a historic paper mill in the commune of La Couronne, southwest of Angoulême, in France's Charente department. It sits on the banks of the Boëme river, a tributary of the Charente, and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 2009.

What was the Moulin de la Courade originally built for?

The site began operating as a paper mill in 1634, quickly becoming one of the region's key papermaking centers. In 1741 it was absorbed into the Royal Manufacture of Angoulême, founded by the Parisian merchant Jacques Henry. The Henry family kept ownership of the mill well into the 20th century, giving the site an unusually long continuity of production under a single family line.

How did papermaking technology evolve here?

In 1785, the founder's grandson, Henry de Villarmain, introduced a new cylindrical processing system at Courade — the so-called Dutch pulp method, a major technical upgrade for its time. The investment paid off: paper made at the mill won gold medals at industrial exhibitions in 1844 and 1849, confirming the high quality of the goods produced and exported from Courade.

What happened to the mill in the 20th century?

In 1904 the site was converted into a cardboard factory, with a new water building added to house a turbine for electricity generation — a typical industrial upgrade of the era. Production continued for several more decades until 1969, when Jean-Baptiste Guillaud, the last manufacturer, closed operations. The mill then passed into private ownership.

What can visitors see today?

Although privately owned, the complex has been open to visitors since 2011. Behind the manor house lies a two-hectare English-style park typical of the 19th century, featuring shaded pathways, a fountain and basin, and the Boëme canal lined with plane trees running through the grounds. This mix of industrial heritage and landscaped parkland makes the site appealing both to visitors interested in industrial history and to those simply looking for a quiet spot to walk in Charente.

A visit to Moulin de la Courade offers a chance to see how 17th-century papermaking infrastructure looked and how it evolved over more than three centuries — from hand-made paper production, through 19th-century technical upgrades, to its later transformation into a cardboard factory with its own hydroelectric turbine. Its location on the Boëme, close to Angoulême, makes it an easy addition to any itinerary through the Charente region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Moulin de la Courade located? The mill is located in the commune of La Couronne, southwest of Angoulême, in the Charente department, on the banks of the Boëme river.

Is the Moulin de la Courade open to the public? Yes. Although the site is privately owned, the complex and its park have been open for visits since 2011.

When was the mill listed as a historic monument? The Moulin de la Courade was added to France's list of historic monuments in 2009.

Until when did the mill operate as a working factory? Production continued until 1969, when Jean-Baptiste Guillaud, the last manufacturer, ended industrial activity at the site.